 |
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Got up wet. Walked in the rain then the sun came out and I started to dry out, till I came to another stream turned into river / waterfall where (you guessed it) I slipped and swam the final 10’. Thank God the sun was out for a few hours, I got dry as well as my fleece blanket. Only did 13 miles today and slept at a lean to, the next stop is 6 miles with canoe rides across the river between 9-11am
Monday, June 12, 2006
Got up damp (an improvement) walked to the ferry crossing, met Just Jim. Saw he had a USMC tattoo, told him I belonged to that boys club. He said he just retired, I told him my story, he said he knew who I was and had seen my web page. We talked about him just getting back, and he helps Vets coming home now. “You can see it in their eyes” he said, "They are happy to be home, but, they aren’t home. How do you expect to take a kid off a corner, put him in a life threatening situation, then put him back on the corner? Out there you had your word, peoples' lives counted on it, if you said you were going to be somewhere or do something, you did, because your life and your buddies counted on it. You come home and it’s all B.S. not too many peoples' word mean anything, the lying and lack of honor, what people get away with in the civilian world. After what we have done they expect us to act as if nothing ever happened and we are the ones messed up." I said I would see him tomorrow.
Now I am at North face lodge, took a shower and doing laundry w/a towel wrapped around me.
A college proffesser came in with a group of students, they are out hiking, and whitewater rafting for a month. We talked of the war and how it could be another Vietnam with the issues surrounding it and how he has these kids prime to be sent over.
Took a nap, used the hot tub, my feet are a little tender and slightly swollen. A half day rest will do them good. Going to bed early to be ready for tomorrow, It hasen’t rained today THANK-GOD!
(I think I am losing the track of time and date) Relaxed & told my story
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Got up took a shower & took a sheet from the cabin to replace the blanket I left behind, gave house keeping $10.00 for it. (It had a hole and a stain on it) Breakfast was a buffet, my favorite! Talked with the kids working there (Greg, Lisa) they have a friend who was a sniper over seas who thought he might have to go back and was losing it! Told them of programs in place. What he was going through affected his family, friends, co-workers, a minimum of 25 people. Even after they are brought back safe… there is still collateral damage and it huge and far reaching, is this acceptable? NOT TO ME! Our country made a prison industry with all those from Vietnam.
Got to Kennebec River and got ferried across by Steve who wouldn’t take money from me, he has in-laws in the Marines. I am overwhelmed by the response of people when I get eyeball to eyeball heart to heart. They are for the Troops, maybe not why we are there. They want to help, but, don’t know what to do. Going into the woods helps, but, not everyone has that kind of time. It helps cut down the weeds in the garden of your life, but if you don’t pull it out by the roots, it grows back. That is what is good about these programs. We offer it as an opportunity to deal with these issues.
Saw an orange salamander, tad poles, a bird that looked like a cross between a duck and a woodpecker, some beaver and deer. Went swimming on sandy beach. Set up my tent in the woods, Hope it doesn’t rain.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
It did rain, but not bad, and my improvements worked. Ran into Trek around 8am, a retired military man who lives off his pension and hikes, said it took him a year to adjust to civilian life. He seemed resigned to the fact that when cuts are made, the veterans are going to lose! In the woods you are self reliant, no one hassles you and there is a sense of peace.
I say you should be where your passion is, if you aren’t who will be and when.
Since this has evolved we could use help in getting in touch with newspapers, as I travel down, radio and T.V. We are open to suggestions that will help us achieve our goal. I am open to walk and talk with anyone. (Generals, Politicians, activists, any concerned citizen, Maryann Williams etc.) We need someone to help us get comp. Sponsorship. Please call Nicole @
631-727-6191 to see how you can help. Thank –You R.C.J.Z.
I went over the Avery MTS. The most torturous set of stones I have ever set my feet on. 2 peaks over 4,000’ above sea level, the rock was 40 grit, or courser and busted up to sizes of peas to boulders, so if you dragged your toes across it you tore your skin off or slipped you tore skin off the bottom.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Walked 5 more miles then got off in Stratton Maine. To give my feet a break, and get something to eat. I am looking forward to eating a lot more than I used to since my appetite has come back burning 5,000 to 6,000 calories a day. Hiked into town and got a ride from Richard Frost, whose Grandfather helped clear the original trail. He dropped me off at the Stratton Motel. I asked the owner for a bunk and he said “Hi Tyvek, there is no charge for ex-marines here, I served
82-89, Thanks for what you’re doing. Don (the owner) backs up his word with something, “ How many times have I said thanks, but didn’t back it up with a gesture or effort?"
It’s just like the kids getting home, I thank you but when they ask for a little help like give me some benefits some help and I walk away.
Just because I say I’m sorry doesn’t give me the right to do it again and I won’t.
It rained a little while I slept in a nice warm house, I love that.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Got up had a nice big breakfast and Don’s partner was taking me to the Trail Head. Don came by to see me off, have me his # and said to call if I needed anything. That is not something one does lightly for his words have weight and I know I could call and he would come and he wouldn’t ask for anything. I was willing to give back; I guess once a Marine; Always a Marine, Brothers in arms, Transcends time and place.
Did about 15 miles up some pretty steep real-estate, it was sunny and I think the blood drive held by Marines finest blood suckers has come to a halt!!!!!! And now the DEER FLIES are starting their own drive!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Another day in paradise! Met a few section hikers. (They do sections of the trail when they can schedule it in.) Talked to some 19yr old. Told them my story, when I said I was part of the problem, they said “What is the problem” So I explained how traumatic experiences of the military could have an affect on you. They were oblivious but, were open to the concept. I remember when I was 19, I thought I knew everything and was oblivious to the consequences. I guess that’s when the weak take advantage of the innocent and there aren’t enough strong to guide and protect the innocent. We guide by informing, and sharing.
Terrible things can happen when the good sit down and do nothing.
Today was some ruff mountains, not in steepness or height but, in the rock formations and roots, that is what slows me down. It’s not like a walk on the beach, or Pine Barrens. Climbed the Saddlebacks and I’m now over 200 miles from Katahdin.
|
